June 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
The best way to check out the beautiful scenery in BC's northern interior is from atop a horse! I recently visited Triple J Ranch, just 20 minutes north of Quesnel or 45 minutes south of Prince George on Hwy 97, and it was awesome!
I enjoyed a two-hour ride through terrain ranging from a bright sunny meadow to a narrow, forested path. The scenery was gorgeous during the whole trip, and don't be surprised if you catch glimpses of bear or other wildlife along the way! Half way through the trip we hopped off the horses to take a quick break at a great viewpoint over Ahbau Creek. There's even a wolf den at the creek viewpoint - now there's something you don't get to see every day!
I got to ride "Stormy", who was a very friendly horse. I was a little nervous at first, but all the horses are so calm and well trained that my worries were very quickly put to rest. For those of you who are fans of the show, you might even be lucky enough to ride the horse that "Mantracker" used while filming an upcoming episode!
Whether you're looking for a fun hour-long activity or a 14 day adventure, Martin and the rest of the gang at Triple J Ranch will make sure it's an experience that you won't soon forget!
June 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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Whenever I go for lunch with a friend, we always hum and haw
about where we should go. There are so many options in town and it makes it
hard to decide. Lately I have been either exploring a new place, or trying out one
of the places I haven’t been to in ages.
One such place is Cosmic Grounds…or should I say Patch Java.
A local coffee enthusiast who roasts his own coffee took over ownership of the
popular local coffee establishment and is making it his own. Although the menu
is still similar, the special was certainly something different for most lunch
places. BBQ ribs, with soup and a scone for under $10 was a fantastic deal, but
I was in the mood for something lighter, I bought a chicken salad wrap with a
bowl of soup. I liked the ordering system of picking up a sandwich/wrap
form and picking exactly what I wanted.
I was also really impressed with the
green consciousness of this place. The sandwich forms were laminated so they
can be re-used and the woman ringing us through encouraged us to use the free
water cooler with washable glasses rather than the requested bottled water that
I am usually forced to purchase. I was grateful that the woman suggested we
enjoy their complimentary water cooler; it saved me several dollars at the same
time saving a plastic bottle.
The wrap was fantastic and very filling, the soup was warm
and tasty and I would certainly recommend that people stop by and see the new
Patch Java.
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Valemount, River Rafting
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Problem: A hot summer day, and
you’re dying to cool yourself off somehow.
Solution: Take a dip in the
instantly refreshing 7°C waters of the Fraser River.
Obviously that wouldn’t be a
sensible thing to do by yourself, but you can turn it into a half-day adventure
by going on a whitewater rafting trip. There are several rafting companies
located in the Valemount area, and we chose Stellar Descents just west of Tete
Jaune Cache.
After the safety briefing it was off on the bus – already sporting
our very form-fitting neoprene suits
– to the launch site. Once all bundled up with helmet and lifejacket, we
departed from the banks of the Fraser with a magnificent view of a cloudless
Mt. Robson in the background.
The first ten or so minutes of the trip are gentle,
and allow rafters the chance to get used to the boat and how to properly
paddle. Then we hit the first moderate rapids, which got everyone into the
rafting spirit and already provided a few cool splashes of glacial water. After
several more challenging rapids (ranging from 1-3+, on a scale out of 6), it
was time to pull over the boat about half-way through the trip. The reason:
Rearguard Falls, a whopping class 5 waterfall that even the guides treat with
significant respect.
After hauling the raft up a little incline we had a chance
to explore the newly installed viewing platform over the falls, which is
literally suspended over the water and takes visitors as close to the
thundering – and earthshaking – masses of water as possible. On the other side
of Rearguard Falls we climbed back onboard and were soon off into the wildest
rapids of the trip, causing the raft to rise and fall, sway back and forth, and
washing over us a number of times. After the last rapids of the trip are
navigated, the waters become much calmer and we were allowed to jump into the
Fraser for a refreshing dip. Mind you, when it comes to glacial water the term
“refreshing” is a bit of an understatement, but on a hot summer day like the
day we went it is definitely worth trying out.
Soon thereafter we were back on
shore, loading the raft onto the trailer and heading back to where we had
started. And just like that three hours had passed – hours in which you
experience the unique feeling of complete concentration as your mind focuses
entirely on the roaring waters ahead of you. Such intense focus is almost
meditative – until a swell of icy water hits you in the face and catapults you
right back into paddling for what it’s worth!
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Image courtesy of Stellar Descents
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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If you’re looking to get away
from it all for a little while – and doing so on horseback – Triple J Ranch
just north of Quesnel is the right place for you.
Upon our arrival we were
greeted by Martin, the owner and our guide for the afternoon. After saddling up
we set out for a small waterfall on Ahbau Creek, passing through forest and
over wide-open meadows on our way. The trek took about an hour each way, and
the stop at the waterfalls was a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs and
enjoy the scenery.
On a side note, wildlife is abundant in the area, and the
chances of seeing bears or deer are quite good. While our ride lasted about two
hours, visitors at Triple J Ranch have the opportunity to customize their rides
to both their skills and endurance levels – from leisurely one-hour rides to
rides lasting multiple days.
Triple J Ranch also offers special events such as
a wagon train to historic Barkerville. Add to that gentle, well-trained horses
and a group of hosts that really go out of their way to make your experience
special, and you’ve got yourself a great “Cowboy Experience”!!
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
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When it gets really hot here in Prince George, one of our favorite activities is floating down the Nechako River. Whether you only have an hour or the better part of an afternoon, there is a float for you!
You can jump in as far up the river as Wilkins Park in Miworth and get out as far down the river as Cottonwood Island Park, spending up to 3+ hours sunning yourself as you peacefully float to your destination.
Some float on large multi-person tubes, some on air mattresses, some just in a life jacket. I personally like to float with a pool noodle, making maximum use of the cool water.
The river float is best with a group of people, some parking their car(s) at the beginning of the float, some parking at the end to cut down commute time.
So whether you float from the Nechako Flats to the Foothills Bridge, or from Wilkins Park to Cottonwood Island Park, come join us on the river this summer. I know that's where I'll be!
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Are you afraid of horses? Do you feel like you need a handlebar or seatbelt in order to feel even remotely comfortable atop these beautiful animals? If you answered yes to either of these two questions, you and I have something in common. So when I first heard I was going to Triple J Ranch near Quesnel, BC, I was nervous and a little frightened. It had been 10 years since I had been "in control" of a horse, and I remember almost being ridden into a barbed wire fence. Needless to say, I had fears of the same or worse.
Through our guide Martin's safety talk, my fears increased, and I wondered if I had done the right thing in choosing not to wear a helmet. Then I was introduced to my horse, Jeopardy. He was a glorious animal, and while he was a little intimidating, he calmly allowed me to throw my leg over his saddle and climb up.
Those first couple of minutes were terrifying, as Jeopardy would shift and move his head to keep the bugs off, but before long, everyone was saddled up, and the ride could begin. Soon after we started, I decided to see how well Jeopardy would respond, and gently turned him to the other side of the trail. He turned his head as gently as I pulled, and with relative ease we were on the other side of the trail. All of a sudden I was feeling much more comfortable.
Martin led us through a large open field into a narrow trail which took us to our rest stop near some small falls and an old wolves' den. After stretching our knees and viewing the falls, we were back on our way to complete the circuit back to the ranch. All of the horses were very well-trained and not one of us (all inexperienced riders) had any difficulties, and left our horses behind feeling satisfied with the entire experience.
If you're coming through Prince George and heading south, ask us about the Triple J Ranch. You won't regret it!
Happy trails!
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Attractions
Exstew Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about half an hour out of Terrace, British Columbia heading west towards Prince Rupert. This video shows you how to get there and what to expect when you do. Enjoy!
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Dining
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It’s the little places that your remember most. A moment in time, the small stall on the side of the road with the best cherries, the little orchard farm with great pie. That’s the part of a vacation that you smile about when you remember it.
And so I smile when I think of the little trip my boyfriend and I took to the Burns Lake Alternative Arts Festival. It was a little overcast and rainy, but we hit Highway 16 to start the 1 ½ hour trip to Burns Lake. Once we got there we enjoyed student-created jokes, songs, videos, and dances until there was a break for lunch.
Being the sandwich-addicted people that we are, we set out to find a Subway and get back to the performances but unfortunately for us, the Town of Burns Lake does not have much in the way of fast food. Still on the hunt, we asked a local woman for directions and she told us the tragic truth of the matter: there was no Subway. She then directed us Redfern’s Coffee House which she said would have sandwiches and other foods that would be fast.
When we walked into the little café the first thing we noticed was that it was crowed. There were people everywhere; standing, sitting, waiting. We looked at the menu, written on a blackboard on the wall, and realized why: the food. There was every kind of bread, wrap, sandwich, meat, ice cream, smoothie, tea, and condiment that a person could create in their mind. I had an open-face roast beef bagel sandwich, and my boyfriend ordered the biggest sandwich he could get, with the works.
When we sat down, we had a minute to look around and saw that homemade purses, hats, scarves, and mittens lined the walls, as well as huge blackboards that explained the menu and the specials. It was comfortable, and unique.
The staff was completely accommodating to all our requests and we felt like we belonged there, and not just like we were visiting. By the atmosphere in the little café, you could tell that it was a special place to the community. As Visitor Counsellor in Vanderhoof, whenever people come in, that are heading in the Burns Lake direction, I always suggest they stop for lunch at Redfern’s Coffee House hoping they will have as great an experience as I did.
June 25, 2010 | Field Reports >
Summerland, Surfing & Watersports
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Time to get wet with water activities on Lake Okanagan, BC! We are
talking boating, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and
paddleboarding in the Thompson Okanagan Region! BC Field Reporter Chris
Wheeler samples every water sport under the sun starting his morning
with a wakeboard at Summerland Waterfront Resort. After a sweet wipeout
in the warm Okanagan lake waters near Summerland, he makes his way to
Penticton, BC to explore more of the lake by kayak and paddleboard.
Life is good!
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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One of our favorite rest stops on the Hart Highway is on the west side of the Pine Pass at Bijoux Falls. It's easy to miss if you aren't paying attention. You have to watch for the sign on the north side of the highway.
Bijoux Falls is about the half way mark between
Dawson Creek and Prince George and the perfect spot to take a break from driving, get out, stretch your legs and breathe in the cool mountain air.
There is something special about the feel and smell of air around a waterfall isn't there?
The falls themselves are quite high and cascade quite dramatically down the side of the mountain. The last time we stopped, the sun was hitting the mist of the fall just right and we saw a rainbow.
There is a viewing landing surrounded by a chain link fence, but if you look, you will also find a well used short path that ducks in behind the fence and leads down to the shallows and rocks at the bottom of the falls.
If you are adventurous, you can pick your way up the creek a bit on the rocks. Chances are, you will end up getting your feet wet, I always do. The water is cold even in the middle of the summer.
The outhouses are very clean and well maintained. There is plenty of parking for RVs and several really nice picnic spots with tables.